FORD FIESTA (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 29,898 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
29,898
Avg Mileage
96,816 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,722
Is the 2003 FORD FIESTA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 21 years old, 71% of FORD FIESTAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 29,898 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 96,816 miles.
How does the 2003 FORD FIESTA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 FORD FIESTA has 96,816 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a FORD FIESTA?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2003 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 2003 FORD FIESTA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD FIESTA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 93% | 404 | 18,726 mi |
| 2021 | 94% | 6,234 | 22,177 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 34,173 | 29,611 mi |
| 2019 | 91% | 124,950 | 34,738 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 157,746 | 42,265 mi |
| 2017 | 85% | 154,616 | 48,995 mi |
| 2016 | 81% | 205,128 | 56,940 mi |
| 2015 | 81% | 225,575 | 63,696 mi |
| 2014 | 79% | 224,536 | 71,010 mi |
| 2013 | 77% | 211,536 | 77,629 mi |
| 2012 | 75% | 185,847 | 83,104 mi |
| 2011 | 75% | 161,778 | 90,389 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 165,879 | 95,140 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 180,029 | 96,775 mi |
| 2008 | 72% | 109,443 | 95,143 mi |
| 2007 | 72% | 99,442 | 96,164 mi |
| 2006 | 70% | 81,463 | 97,129 mi |
| 2005 | 70% | 48,429 | 97,715 mi |
| 2004 | 71% | 39,183 | 97,910 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 29,898 | 96,816 mi |
| 2002 | 70% | 14,118 | 88,471 mi |
| 2001 | 68% | 4,970 | 72,535 mi |
| 2000 | 67% | 2,809 | 71,739 mi |
| 1999 | 67% | 4,854 | 66,066 mi |
| 1998 | 65% | 4,382 | 56,318 mi |
| 1997 | 66% | 1,926 | 57,252 mi |
| 1996 | 71% | 1,061 | 51,823 mi |
| 1995 | 74% | 859 | 53,478 mi |
| 1994 | 77% | 616 | 50,884 mi |
| 1993 | 69% | 565 | 50,329 mi |
| 1992 | 76% | 545 | 53,988 mi |
| 1991 | 84% | 854 | 51,137 mi |
| 1990 | 83% | 479 | 53,299 mi |
Checking a specific FORD FIESTA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 FORD FIESTA
The 2003 FORD FIESTA is a small family car with a 1388cc petrol engine. 29,898 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 96,816 miles at 21 years old, FORD FIESTA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 FORD FIESTA Fuel Costs
The 1388cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 FORD FIESTA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,722 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD FIESTA Reliability Trend
Newer FORD FIESTAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 FORD FIESTA
At 21 years old, the FORD FIESTA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 29,898 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2003 FORD FIESTA
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (same) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (same) from 41,794 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2005) 73% pass rate (+2%) from 29,754 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2005) 70% pass rate (-1%) from 28,650 tests